A group pushing for commuters’ safety and protection has reminded the riding public on Friday that drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are not allowed to start charging the new P10 minimum fare until an updated fare guide or matrix has been issued.
Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection founder Ariel Inton made the pronouncement after the P2 hike in the base fare of jeepneys approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) takes effect this November.
“Kailangan talaga nung fare matrix para mapatupad ‘yung pagtaas ng pamasahe. Kaya sa ating mga mananakay, ngayong araw na ‘to kahit na ngayon dapat ipatupad e wala pong fare matrix, wala pong dagdag pasahe,” Inton told Radyo Inquirer in an interview.
Last month, the LTFRB approved a P10 minimum fare for PUJs in Metro Manila, and in Regions 3 and 4, and a provisional fare hike of P1 to commuter buses in Metro Manila, and an additional P0.15 per kilometer charge for provincial buses.
However, with the long weekend in place, jeepney drivers are not expected to complete their applications until Monday, Inton noted.
“Magkakaroon ng napakaraming confusion d’yan… ang kailangang gawin ng LTFRB katulong nung ibang agencies is to monitor as much as possible kung saan yung pwedeng mamonitor nila para ika nga e hindi maningil ng mas mataas dahil wala pang taripa,” he said. /muf